Australian Films To Look Out For in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a compelling year for Australian cinema, with a slate of creative and diverse films poised to make an impact on both locally and internationally. From high-concept genre fare to intimate dramas and thought-provoking documentaries, here’s a guide to the most anticipated Australian offerings set for release in the coming year.

1. WE BURY THE DEAD (Out in cinemas February 5)

Directed by Zak Hilditch (1922, Rattlesnake), We Bury the Dead has already garnered early buzz with festival screenings and critical acclaim. The post-apocalyptic thriller stars Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and follows a group of volunteers tasked with recovering bodies following a catastrophic military experiment. With its unique blend of horror, survival drama, and emotional stakes, We Bury the Dead is shaping to be one of the year’s most talked-about releases.

2. SACCHARINE (Sundance Film Festival Premiere January 22)

Saccharine is an Australian horror film from director Natalie Erika James (Relic, Apartment 7A), premiering in the Midnight section of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The unique and chilling psychological story follows a medical student who ingests human ashes only to be haunted by the ghost of the deceased. Its presence at the highly touted festival underscores international appetite for Australian genre work.

3. SENTIENT (Sundance Film Festival Premiere January 26)

In the documentary space, Sentient, directed by Tony Jones (Revelation), tackles the ethical and scientific questions surrounding animal research. Selected by the World Cinema Documentary Competition at Sundance, the film combines investigative storytelling with deep philosophical questions positioning it as one of the standout Australian documentary releases of the year.

4. JIMPA (Limited cinema release February 19)

This deeply personal film directed by Sophie Hyde (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) stars Oscar award winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Lost Daughter) and marks a significant Australian co-production. The drama is inspired by the director’s own family experiences exploring generational tensions and identity and premiered at film festivals before its upcoming cinema release. Colman’s involvement with the piece and its festival trajectory, have made it a must watch for local and global audiences.

5. IMAGINE (Out in cinemas January 26)

Writer-director duo Jack Manning Bancroft and Tyson Yunkaporta bring a highly unique animated film to screens this year. Imagine blends indigenous Australian storytelling with surreal imagery and a mythical adventure that follows a young girl and her alien canine companion. The film’s cross-cultural perspective and unique narrative signal the ever-growing expansion of contemporary Aboriginal filmmaking in national cinema.

6. IRON WINTER (Currently out as limited release. Wider release in March)

Iron Winter, directed by Kasimir Burgess (Franklin), is one of the more unique documentary features that has caught the attention of multiple festivals around the world. This endurance drama follows two young friends who must fight to protect their horses from the harsh Mongolian winter. With its festival presence and critically acclaimed cinematography, Iron Winter has been positioned as a film to discover in 2026.

7. THE DEB (Out in cinemas January 15)

Directed by Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect), this comedy blends music and local culture and is adapted from the acclaimed stage musical of the same name. The story follows two cousins preparing for their town’s debutante ball, with both of them having a very different outlook on the event. With strong performances by stars Natalie Abbott and Charlotte MacInnes, The Deb is poised to be one of the year’s most joyful and distinctly Australian features.